BOSTON – According to Massachusetts state records, from 2007 to 2013, more $16.5 million was spent on lobbyists for the gambling industry, the Boston Globe reported on its website last week. A majority of that money came from the developers and property owners vying for one of the few potentially lucrative casino licenses in the state.
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With her denial last week on the motion to dismiss the state-worker lawsuit filed to overturn changes made to public-employee pension plans, Superior Court Judge Sarah Taft-Carter has tipped her hand as to how the trial itself will go once it begins in September (hint: it looks like she will rule in favor of the unions). But more importantly, she has added fuel to the argument that the case should be shifted to federal court.
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PROVIDENCE – The House of Representatives this month unanimously approved legislation to eliminate the “master lever,” or straight-party voting option, on all future, nonprimary Rhode Island election ballots.
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Both sides in the debate over President Barack Obama’s immigration reforms have offered simple legal arguments. According to critics, the president is acting unlawfully by defying acts of Congress and arrogating the authority of a king. According to supporters, Obama is acting within his broad discretion as chief executive to deport those he thinks should be deported and let others stay in the U.S.
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With her electoral victory, Gina M. Raimondo will become the first woman as well as the 82nd person to be governor of Rhode Island since the Royal Charter of 1663. But her story stands up to the scrutiny that company demands.
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Business Women nominations are now open. Nominate women who are Leaders in their field, and Women to Watch, who have potential to be tomorrow's leaders. And, tell us of Career Achievers and Great Mentors! Deadline April 17th.

Get the most up-to-date data on the Rhode Island and southern Massachusetts business community from the PBN List Center. Download and purchase PBN Lists as well as the complete Book of Lists in Excel format.